The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) will host its 41st Annual Convention from September 10 to 13, 2026, in Visakhapatnam. The convention, themed ‘India: The World’s Next Tourism Opportunity’, is expected to bring together nearly 1,000 delegates from across the country.
Announcing the convention, Ravi Gosain, President of IATO, said Sunil Mishra will serve as Convention Chairman, while Deepak Kumarr Bhatnagar will be the Co-Chairman. Vijay Mohan will coordinate the event.
The convention will be held at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, which will host all major activities, including registration, the inaugural ceremony, business sessions and evening programmes.
The press statement further said that N. Chandrababu Naidu and Kandula Durgesh have accepted the invitation to attend the inaugural session. The association also expects participation from senior officials of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, including Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Tourism Secretary Bhuvnesh Kumar and Additional Secretary & Director General (Tourism) Suman Billa.
The convention is being organised with the support of the Government of Andhra Pradesh. Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh, Special Chief Secretary (Tourism & Culture) Ajay Jain and Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority CEO Amrapali Kata are extending support for the event.
Sanjay Razdan, Vice President of IATO, said, “The association is aiming to attract nearly 1000 delegates from across the country. He further added that curated post-convention tours will be organized to showcase Andhra Pradesh’s diverse tourism offerings, enabling stakeholders to promote these experiences in both domestic and international markets. To add to the celebratory fervour, a lively ‘IATO’s Got Talent – Karaoke Singing Competition’ has been planned.”
Convention Chairman Sunil Mishra said, “The three-day convention will feature high-powered business sessions, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and domain experts to deliberate on critical issues shaping the future of tourism. Blending business with engagement, the event will also host a series of vibrant activities, including the ‘IATO Run for Responsible Tourism’, recognition awards across multiple categories, and spectacular evening entertainment programs.”
Co-Chairman Deepak Kumarr Bhatnagar said, “A major highlight of the convention will be the Indian Tourism Fair (Travel Mart), scheduled for 11th and 12th September 2026 at the convention venue. This dynamic platform will facilitate meaningful interactions between IATO members, State Tourism Boards, and industry stakeholders, fostering partnerships and driving tourism growth.”
